Description:
Heavy rains continue to lash South Korea, killing at least 14 people and leaving 12 missing. Landslides, floods, and infrastructure damage prompt mass evacuations across the country.
Torrential Rains Devastate South Korea, Leaving 14 Dead and Dozens Missing
At least 14 people have died and 12 others remain missing after days of intense rainfall battered South Korea, triggering landslides, floods, and widespread destruction across multiple provinces.
The disaster has displaced thousands, with over 12,900 people seeking emergency shelter in 14 major cities and provinces, according to South Korea’s Interior Ministry.
Deadly Landslides and Flash Floods Hit Resort and Rural Towns
On Sunday, tragedy struck the popular resort town of Gapyeong, roughly 70 km east of Seoul, where two people died and four were reported missing after a landslide engulfed homes and flash floods swept vehicles into rivers.
A woman in her 70s died when her house collapsed, while the body of a man in his 40s was found near a bridge after drowning, Yonhap news agency reported.
Sancheong County Worst-Hit
The southern county of Sancheong, home to about 33,000 residents, suffered the highest death toll. As of Sunday, eight people have died there, with six still unaccounted for. The region has been inundated with nearly 800mm (31.5 inches) of rain since Wednesday.
Neighboring areas also experienced record rainfall:
Hapcheon County: 699mm (27.5 inches)
Hadong County: 621.5mm (24.5 inches)
Gwangju and Other Areas Also Affected
In Gwangju, a southwestern city, two people were reported missing, adding to the growing toll of the natural disaster.
Nationally, the Interior Ministry has logged:
1,920 cases of infrastructure damage (flooded roads, landslides, damaged public facilities)
2,234 reports of destruction to private properties, including homes and farmland
Rescue Operations Hampered by Weather
Despite ongoing search and rescue operations, heavy rain continues to hamper efforts. Emergency services have been working around the clock to reach isolated rural communities, where roads and communication lines have been cut off.
Authorities warn that further rainfall is expected and additional landslides and flooding are likely, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas.
Government Response and Public Safety Measures
Prime Minister and disaster management officials have been monitoring the situation closely. Evacuation centers have been set up across affected regions, and disaster response units remain on high alert.
Citizens are urged to follow government advisories and avoid traveling to affected areas, especially where landslide risk is elevated.
Conclusion: A Nation on Alert
As South Korea grapples with one of the worst rainstorms in recent years, the threat of more devastation looms. With lives lost, communities displaced, and infrastructure under strain, the country’s emergency response continues to operate under extreme conditions.
Topics:
South Korea floods July 2025, Gapyeong landslide, Sancheong flood deaths, heavy rain Korea, Korea flood rescue updates, Yonhap news flood damage, Korea evacuation shelters, landslides in South Korea, torrential rains Seoul
Stay tuned for updates and follow official alerts from South Korea’s Emergency Management Agency and local news outlets.